By Deena Farrell

Will Petz, the founder and CEO of QuietEvents, has coined the term “quiet clubbing.” His company has been holding “quiet” dance parties at clubs around the city for about two years. For example, at a recent event at Croton Reservoir Tavern in midtown Manhattan, three DJs spun music on three different channels, which could only be heard through the wireless headphones clubgoers were given as they entered. Patrons could switch stations with their headphones, and adjust their own volume. Because there was no audible music in the room, the club’s noise level was limited to conversations among clubgoers. A few times during the evening, clubgoers sang along to their favorite songs. And, of course, many chose to take their headphones off and enjoy a conversation without having to scream over a thumping beat.